Pagasa sees higher temperatures
MANILA, Philippines—Temperatures in Luzon could rise to 37 degrees Celsius, while in the Visayas and Mindanao it could heat up to 36 degrees Celsius in the last few days of April and early May, with the easterlies in effect over parts of the country, according to the weather bureau.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) recorded the highest temperature so far this year at 39 degrees Celsius on Friday last week in Tuguegarao City, historically the hottest place in the Philippines in the northeastern part of Luzon. A scorching 35.9 degrees Celsius was recorded in Metro Manila on Sunday.
Forecaster Fernando Cada said that on Sunday, the highest temperatures were recorded in Tuguegarao City at 38.6 degrees Celsius at around 4 p.m.; Cabanatuan City, 38 degrees Celsius at 1:55 p.m.; General Santos City, 36.2 degrees Celsius at 2 p.m.; Sangley Point in Cavite with 36 degrees Celsius at 2 p.m.; and Metro Manila, 35.9 degrees Celsius at 2:50 p.m.
Cada told the Inquirer that based on their assessment, temperatures in Metro Manila would range from 24 to 36 degrees Celsius, with the weather anticipated to be warm and humid.
“We can expect frequent occurrences of thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening during this period when the month is close to ending and May is just beginning,” Cada said.
He pointed out that it is the same period that is historically hottest based on Pagasa records which showed the highest temperature ever at 42.2 degrees Celsius in Tuguegarao City on May 11, 1969, while Metro Manila was hottest on May 14, 1987, at 38.5 degrees Celsius.
A tropical cyclone monitored by Pagasa well outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) is not likely to bring down temperatures soon as it is headed for Saipan, well away from the country.
Cada said Tropical Depression “06W,” which will be named “Tapah” if it develops into a storm, is 1,000 kilometers from the PAR and heading north.
“The tropical cyclone will not enter the PAR,” he added.
